Being Green And Simple

The two topics; frugal living and environmental green living are actually one in the same.

When I first started on this road, it was for environmental purposes. We had traveled three times to Cuba where we learned about people living their lives without any of the advantages that we have in the way of “things” and “toys”. They do have the advantage of a great education system and a heritage of hard working, clean and intelligent people. They do whatever they can to keep things working, operating, running and driving. They have little or no appliances, although we were told that every Cuban home has a refrigerator. We visited homes that were spotlessly clean, even though they have dirt floors and looked a bit more like cattle barns (no offence meant). They are happy with what they have and very happy and healthy in general.

We wanted to do what we could to stop abusing our earth and after our third visit, the real challenge was on. Since that last trip we have never used a clothes dryer or dishwasher. That was the immediate change. Environment? Yes, but we noticed our energy bill charges and usages dropping rapidly. What did we lose through this? Nothing. Our clothes are still clean and our dishes are still there. If anything, we find it very quick to wash up dishes and the clothes maintain and stay newer looking longer.

These small changes did make a difference, but we were not satisfied because it didn’t feel like we were being deprived.  Next we looked out at the driveway and saw two cars, just sitting there. Surely if the Cuban people can walk, catch a ride in a truck or a donkey cart, even a rickshaw; we could manage with one car. Yes, we then sold the second car.

Selling that second car surely helped the environment. Imagine if everyone with two cars cut down to one. That would be half the cars in the world. As well, our monthly budget really got an injection. Now we weren’t paying insurance premiums, gas or oil, even washing the car took energy from water, soap and my time. There was another huge saving with very little effort.

After the car was gone, I noticed that I was just walking and strolling to the store when I just needed a few items. Getting out there walking was just a boost and I began to actually feel healthier. I was firming up my legs and the dog was getting even more exercise than before.

When we talk about wasting water and running our taps too long, or taking long showers, I recall this man in Cuba who went to a community well (they said they were lucky to have) and carried pails of water, 88 times every day, climbed to his roof and emptied the pails into his cistern. If you have this picture in your mind when you are running the tap and complaining about it not being cold enough, it might give you second thoughts.

There appears, literally, to be no garbage in Cuba. They just don’t have anything that creates garbage, or very little, and they seem to find a use for everything. I learned my lesson about waste from the positive and intelligent people of Cuba.